Evaluation Of Dose Area Product, Entrance Surface Dose and Fluoroscopic Time in RGU/MCUG Examination

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of radiation dose in diagnostic imaging is crucial for optimizing patient safety and maintaining image quality. In retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) examinations, Dose Area Product (DAP), Entrance Surface Dose (ESD), and Fluoroscopic time (FT) serve as indicators of radiation exposure. This study aims to assess these parameters to better understand radiation exposure levels during RGU/MCUG procedures.
Methods: In this quantitative cross-sectional study, a total of 107 male patients who underwent RGU/MCUG examinations at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) from May 1st to July 31st, 2024, using the Siemens Healthineers Luminos dRF Max digital fluoroscopy system, were included. We employed a purposive, non-probability sampling method to select the participants for the research. The displayed DAP, ESD, and FT were evaluated.
Results: We found that the average mean values for DAP, ESD, and FT were 5384.43 ± 5343.98μGym² (53.84 ± 53.44 Gycm2), 98.01±94.49 mGy, and FT of 2.98 ± 1.70 mins, respectively. A very strong positive correlation was found between cumulative DAP and Total ESD (r=0.983, p<0.05).
Conclusions: Our study found a strong, statistically significant correlation between cumulative DAP and Total ESD, highlighting a direct relationship between these measures. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring DAP and FT in clinical settings to optimize radiation exposure and procedural efficiency.